Leicester Lions 17 Huddersfield 31

League Points 0-4

Leicester Lions 17: Tries: Devon Constant (11), James Wise (18), Alex Knight (55); Conversions: Jon Boden (19);

Huddersfield 31: Tries: Harry Davey (3, 79), Ben Morrill (21); Conversions: Harry Davey (4, 22); Penalties: Harry Davey (7, 17, 44, 77):

Leicester Lions must have fancied their chances, following their recent return to form, against middle of the table opposition, Huddersfield.

It was a cold afternoon with a breeze blowing down the pitch to Huddersfield’s advantage in the first half. The temperature, plus the low bright sun throughout the game, were not the ideal conditions for open play and nimble handling.

Huddersfield made an excellent start to the game with their fly-half, Harry Davey, going over for a try after 3 minutes and adding the conversion.

Indiscretions by Lions led to Davey adding a penalty after 7 minutes to make the score 0-10.

Lions’ winger, Devon Constant, soon retaliated with a driving run to score a try and open Lions’ account, making the score 5-10.

On 17 minutes Davey added his second penalty for Huddersfield.

From the kick-off Lion’s came back with their other winger, James Wise, scoring a try, with Jon Boden adding the conversion to make the score 12-13.

This was rapidly followed by Huddersfield’s hooker, Ben Morrill, going over for a try, with Davey adding the conversion, to re-establish Huddersfield lead at 12-20.

During the remainder of the first half both sides had opportunities, but neither was able to add to their tally.

Half Time: Leicester Lions 12 Huddersfield 20

It was now Lions’ opportunity to have the breeze at their backs, with the setting sun was making it difficult for both sides defending against the high balls.

On 44 minutes Davey added another penalty for Huddersfield.

Lions were coming back into the game, putting the Huddersfield line under pressure. They moved the ball rapidly out to the left to find their second row, Alex Knight, in with the backs, taking a pass and crashing over near the corner for a try on 55 minutes. Lions were back in the game with the score 17-23.

On 60 minutes Huddersfield’s Austen Thompson was yellow carded.

Lions were putting Huddersfield under pressure, but Huddersfield defended well and started taking the game back to Lions.

Carelessness by Lions led to Huddersfield’s Davey adding his fourth penalty on 77 minutes to mean that Lions now had to score twice to come back into the game, with the score at 17-26.

Huddersfield continued their good attacking work and in the final minutes of the game were rewarded with Davey going over in the corner for his second try.

Full Time: Leicester Lions 17 Huddersfield 31

An afternoon of competitive rugby, with Huddersfield making the best of their opportunities and achieving a deserved win. The try count was three tries apiece, but Harry Davey kicked well throughout the game, keeping the pressure on Lions.

Leicester Lions’ head coach, Jack Heald, said that this was a disappointing game for Lions. We made too many mistakes during the game. Many congratulations to Huddersfield, who stuck to the task at hand most effectively and did not allow us to settle.

Following this week’s games, Leicester Lions are in eighth position in National League 2 North, with Huddersfield in ninth position.

For further details consult www.ncarugby.org

Mike Howkins, Press Officer and Fourth Official Leicester Lions RFC
mikehowkins@gmail.com